Fir Bark?

[drache]

I believe "fir" includes pine and cypress and pretty much anything that has "needles" rather than leaves

[adamanteus]

I believe "fir" includes pine and cypress and pretty much anything that has "needles" rather than leaves

Yeah, that was my understanding of "fir".

[abcat1993]

Not necessarily needles, but something that isn't a leaf. Like cedar trees don't really have "needles" but they don't have leaves either.

[drache]

that stuff's a lot like cypress - sort of knobby

[Joshchan]

I use fir bark extensively in orchid growing. For the most part, I have found Douglas Fir bark to be relatively low odor and safe for everything from thumbnail dart frogs to fussy little orchids from the cloud forests of South America. It can get moldy if it gets wet. Usually, if it is of decent quality, it will hold up to high moisture levels for a long time. I try to use kiln dried bark when possible because it tends to have the least amount of active spores and possible aromatic compounds. I have my garter on fir bark now and it seems quite content with the whole thing. I think cleaning is a potential issue however. This is just my experience, your mileage my vary.
Josh

[mikm]

Hey there Josh ... thanks so much for sharing !!! That's one of the nicest things about this forum ... everyone feels comfortable enough to just 'jump in' and share their experinces ... invaluable ...

enjoy your day !!!

[drache]

thanks Josh
I'll have to look at the stuff again
nice evening to you

[Canuck]

I realize this is a very late reply lol, but for other people wondering to know I found this out about fir bark.

"

Bedding choices consist mainly of aspen, coconut bark or fir bark. My choice is coconut bark in my display tanks and aspen in my breeder racks. I have heard that Fir Bark can carry mites and must be heated before use ( I have never seen this but thought it was worth mentioning). NEVER USE PINE OR CEDAR SHAVINGS as the phenols they release are toxic to snakes. Many also use newspaper, paper towels, and Astroturf which are all acceptable substrate but on the ugly side."